Bowdoin eliminates fee for some applicants

BRUNSWICK — Bowdoin College has eliminated the fee to apply for admission for prospective students who require financial aid or are first-generation college students.

The policy takes effect immediately, according to college spokesman Doug Cook. The admission application fee of $65 will stand for non-first generation students and students ineligible for aid.

“By eliminating the fee for (low-income and first-generation college students), we hope to encourage more of these students to apply for admission to Bowdoin … because we are committed to providing access and opportunity to qualified students, regardless of their economic circumstances,” Whitney Soule, dean of admissions and financial aid, said in a press release Tuesday.

The press release cited a 2014 White House report that identified high-priced admission fees – which can range from $50-$90 – as a barrier to low-income prospective students.

According to information provided by the college, 15 percent of this year’s incoming class of 503 students are the first in their family to attend college. The college awarded financial aid to 45 percent of all students.